The 9 Best International Skin-Care Products You've Never Heard Of

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People travel the world for a bevy of reasons, but most of the time — in one way or another — it's because they want to explore the unknown and discover what other countries and cultures are doing differently. (Or you know, better.) A prime example is the not-so-recent-anymore rise in Korean skin care, which made its way to the West a few years ago and took the beauty world by storm. Now, you can walk into your local Sephora and find a whole skin-care section devoted to K-Beauty products, but believe it or not, there are so many uncharted gems still flying beneath the radar. And this isn't limited to Korea, either. Japan, Canada, and many other countries are shocking us with their impressive skin-care innovations — not to mention making us want to go globe-trotting ASAP. So if you've been feeling a bit bored of stateside skin care, why not give it a rest and try something totally new for a change? With that said, below you'll find nine skin-care products you've definitely never heard of. And don't worry, they've already been tried and tested, the Allure way.

A lot of K-beauty is about novelty, but Schook’s pick is about efficiency: “It’s a cleanser, toner, hydrator, and makeup remover in one — and any skin type can use it.” And, like so much Korean skin care, it’s cute enough to Insta.

This is not a balm you toss in your bag for hourly touch-ups. This is a lip treatment. One perfectly portioned pump “softens, plumps, and helps heal the lip area,” says Joss, who uses it at bedtime to keep her lips super moisturized. We love it as a satiny primer for matte lipsticks, too.

Just when we thought we’d had our fill of CC creams, this stuff comes along. It initially goes on white, but the microencapsulated pigment dissolves into sheer color as you massage it into skin, delivering “flawless, dewy coverage,” says Beevers. (It also delivers an SPF of 45.)

Start clearing shelf space now. “This mask is by far the most effective product I’ve ever used when it comes to quick results,” says Lee. “It’s magical.” Magic, and maybe a mix of Asiatic, mandelic, and lactic acids that tightens, tones, smooths, and hydrates in one go. “The results are instantaneous.”

If you find yourself going through blotting papers as if they’re Tic Tacs, try this mattifying moisturizer, packed with ferulic acid and antioxidants. “It’s also cooling, so it’s really perfect during the hot, steamy months,” says Stiles.

OK, look past the name — there are no actual pickles involved. This 50 percent (!) salicylic acid ointment dissolves corns and calluses. A teeny dab will cause dead skin to fall off in a few days’ time, leaving you with what feel like brand-new feet. Be careful, though: This stuff is so strong, “we keep it behind the counter,” says Fazio.

There are no bells or whistles on this baby. It’s just a cream-colored bar like you’d find at, well, your grandpa’s house. The big difference: It has 3 percent sulfur, which is tough on blemishes. “It’s an underground secret for acne,” says Chia.